Terrestrial neuro-musculoskeletal rehabilitation and astronaut reconditioning: Reciprocal knowledge transfer

Abstract

Research on astronauts can benefit patients with conditions affecting the neuro-musculoskeletal systems and vice versa, as both face the challenge of managing the effects of disuse. Deconditioning in astronauts after spaceflight is a useful model for studying interventions for optimal recovery, as changes occur relatively rapidly and without the complication of underlying pathology seen in musculoskeletal and neurological disorders, where the effects of disuse are difficult to study in isolation. Physical inactivity is a major problem in the general population, despite well-known benefits, causing public health and economic concerns worldwide (Kohl et al., 2012, Lee et al., 2012), so translating motivation strategies from astronauts would be very beneficial. Clinical conditions associated with disuse can also provide lessons for optimising exercise programmes to minimise deconditioning during spaceflight and reconditioning the astronaut on their return to Earth. The purpose of this Supplement is to highlight areas where space and terrestrial research and clinical management may have lessons for one another.